I have a 2001 Ford Ranger Edge and put an 8.8 31 spline axle in from an FX4 Level 2 Ranger. I snagged the u-bolts and blocks. I believe the blocks are at least 2" (my edge ones were 1 1/4").

There is a Ford OEM bed cover on it which pushes the back end down a little bit.

Right now I have the FX4 blocks installed but wondered if my Chevy 1500 lowering shackles would be easier on things. I have the shackles sitting on my work bench but wondered which one would be the best in the long run.

Ditch the blocks and install the lowering shackles or keep the blocks. I like having the rake and really don't want to lose it, especially with the bed cover installed.

I know that blocks can cause axle wrap but curious to see what other people think.

 

I would ditch the blocks, and install the shackle. Its alot less wear on the leafs themselves. They are using their natural support, and not being 'crunched up' another few inches by the block under there.

 

Hm maybe I'll do this as well then.

 

How much do the chevy shackles raise it up? I read it should be about 1.5 inch raise so if I removed my 2" block I would lose a 1/2". I'm okay with that.

I also must mention I plan on installing james duff bars too. I wanted to do everything all at once.

Does the leaf spring need a bracket for them to sit on the axle or is it direct?

Thanks,

 

2inches..

 

Personally.....it's a stock 2.5" block. Leave it if you wish. If you go to the Belltech 6400 2" chevy drop shackle, it'll level the truck out...maybe even make the front end higher.

heads up...there's no way that bed cover weighs the rear down enough to make a difference.

You have shackles on the truck right now....you just replace the stock 4.5" eye to eye ones, and install the new ones.




1.5"



gap from top of tire to bottom of flare...before 8 3/4. after 10 1/4. = 1.5"

 

No, the FX4 blocks are in there right now and they may be 2.5", I didn't measure.

Would it be easier to install the shackles with the old blocks in there or after I take them out?

Oh and here is a pic of the bed cover...

It's not light

 

i got 2 inches out of mine?

 

I wonder if the U-bolts have enough thread on them to go down the length of the blocks.

 

probably not i did a aal and i barely had enough u bolt left. I would just go with extended u bolts.

 

Extended u-bolts? I may head out to the junkyard this weekend.

 

You can get them at any autoparts store.

 

So everyone recommends chevy shackles?

 

I forgot I have two single add a leaf springs left in my side barn from my 94 Ranger. I could use those instead of the shackles but I have no idea where I put the bolts that came with it. Does anybody know what grade bolt I would need if I went that route?

 

Do you mean the centering pin? I need a new one as well. What would give a better ride with replacing the stock block, a shackle or AAL?

 

I remember the centering pins but have no idea what I did with them. I wonder what grade bolt could replace them or are they specialty bolts. How dangerous is it when removing that bolt? I know you have to c-clamp the factory spring pack but I image they could separate and slide out.

 

How much height does an add a leaf usually run between?

 

I have no clue, never done it before. I got the AAL they just didn't come with the centering pins. Your guess is as good as mine.

 

as a wheeler, i like the shackles.......but..........when installing longer shackles, it kicks that axle forward, and moves that pinion angle. I tag the fender alot when crawlin' on rocks and stuff.



And about the 1.5 vs 2 "controversey"......weird.

 

I found the centering pins! OMG I looked everywhere and they were in my hardware drawers... lol Ok so I got my add a leaf but it is longer than the shortest spring. I haven't ever messed around with springs so I need some help. What is the smallest block the factory makes?

 

smallest block? oem 08 ranger. It's like 1.25".

AAL's go in from smallest leaf at the bottom, longest at the top. So if your AAL is longer than the bottom leaf, but shorter than the 2nd to the bottom, it goes in between those two.

 

What about those metal clamps on the ends of the leafs?

 

believe they slide?

What AAL did you get? The RCD AAL is the biggest AAL i've seen......and it didn't require removal of the clamp/holder.

 

I bought it back in 1997 for my 94 Ford Ranger. It was advertised as a 1.5 inch lift kit. It came with level springs for a 94 TTB and then add a leafs for the back. I never installed the leafs but kept them.

The pieces can't slide because there is a hole with a plastic push pin in them.

 

Take the push pin out lol.